Method of and means for attaching heels to shoes



Jan- 9, 1949 E. H. BASTABLE: 2,186,470

METHOD 0F AND MEANS FOR ATTACHING HEELS TO SHOES Filed June 7, 1938 Patented Jan. 1 9, 19/40 DIETHOD F AND MEANS FOR ATTACHING T0 SHOES Edward H. Bastable, Clifton, Mass., assignor to Shoe (2h tion of Massachuset assis, Inc., loston, Mass., a corpora- Application .nine 7, 193s, serial No. 212,229

. 19` Claims.

This invention relates to the manufacture of shoes, and more particularly to an improved method of and means for attaching the heels to the uppers, the present application being a continuation-in-part of my copending application Serial No. 157,714, led August 6, 1937.

In the manufacture of shoes, particularly womens shoes, considerable diiiiculty has been encountered when attaching a heel to the lasted upper and insole structure'in order to provide a connection or anchorage which is sufficiently strong and durable to withstand the shocks and stresses to which the heel is subjected when being worn. Experience has shown that the use of l5 nails and/or screws cannot generally be relied v upon to provide a satisfactory fastening, and although the use of cement or adhesive, in conjunction with nails and/or screws, increases the strength of the connection, the eifectiveness 'of such a. connection orfastening usually depends upon whether the heel seat has been properly prepared, since a gap between the heel seat surface of the lasted shoe and the upper face of the heel is quite apt to impair, if not to destroy, the

eiectiveness of the adhesive bond.

The principal objects of the present invention are to provide a method of and means for at- 'caching heels to shoes, and to provide an improved heel seat plate which is eifective ilrmly 30 to secure the upper, insole structure and heel seat together, and which is designed so as to insure a stronger bond when used with an adhesive than would otherwise be possible.

`Further objects will be apparent from a consideration of the following description and accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of va lasted shoe, showing an assembled heel seat plate and shank piece positioned against the insole structure; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of one type of heel seat plate;

Figs. 3 and 4 are sections on the lines 3 3 andk d-Lrespectively, of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of another type of heel seat plate; i n

Figs. 6 and '1 are sections on the lines l- S and 1-1, respectively, of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary top plan view.. of a lasted shoe with an assembled shank piece and heel seat plate of the type shown in Fig. 2, ap-

plied to the insole structure; and .n

Figs, 9 and 10 are fragmentary, longitudinal and transverse sections, respectively, through a completed shoe embodying or constructed in u accordance with the present invention.

In accordance with the present invention, a shoe upper and an insole may be lasted in any of the conventional ways, the lower edges of the upper being inturned against the under surface of the insole structure and secured in any 5 suitable manner, the inturned edges dening a recessed area or cavity at the heel and shank portions of the partially lasted shoe. If desired, at this point a layer of adhesive or cementitious material may be applied to the heel area, and 10 either before or after the application of adhesive an anchoring element or heel seat plate is applied to the heel area of the lasted shoe.

The anchoring element comprises a sheet metal plate having a shape conforming substantially 15 to the outline of the heel seat, the plate being formed with a depressed body portion adapted to iit within the recessed area and a U-shaped marginal portion adapted to overlie the inturned edges of the upper. The marginal portions of 90 the plate areprovided with outstanding prongs which may be driven through the inturned edges of the upper and embedded in the insole structur-e, and the body portion may be provided with struck-out prongsvadapted to extend through or 35 to be embedded in the heel seat and/or body of the heel. Where, as is preferred, both the body I and marginal portions of the heel seat plate are formed with spaced prongs struck out from the plate, there are provided perforations and surface irregularities which constitute an ideal base for the reception and retention of an adhesive, such perforations and irregularities being eii'ectiVe to provide, in effect, an interlocking engagement between the heel seat plate and the adhesive when the latter becomes hardened or set. In addition, the body ofthe heel seat plate may be provided with means for holding one end of a reinforcing shank piecek so that the heel seat plate and shank piece may be secured to- 40 gether and the assemblage applied as a unit.

After application of the heel seat plate or an assembled heel seat plate and shank piece, an outsole preferably having a trimmed end providing a heel seat may be applied and the lasted 45 parts may then be subjected to sufilcient pres-v sure*v to drive the4 marginal prongs through the inturned edges of the upper into the insole structure and at the same time force the outstandingy body prongs through or into the heel 50 seat. At this point adhesive may be applied to the heel seat'and surrounding portions, and the heel may then be applied in the usual way. If it bedesired to dispense' with a trimmed-down outsole providing a heel seat, the prongs in the body 55 portion of the heel seat plate are preferably bent or rolled over against the body of the plate, and in either case a layer of adhesive, in addition to an attaching screw, nails, or the like fastening elements, may be provided to insure a strong connection between the heel and upper.

In a shoe embodying a heel seat plate constructed and applied in accordance with the present invention, the heel seat plate is secured and/or bonded to the upper, insole structure and heel, and since all gaps between the heel and upper are substantially completely eliminated, the strength and durability of the connection is much greater than would otherwise be possible.

Referring to the drawing, Fig. l shows a shoe upper I applied about a last 2 with its lower edges 4 inturned about the insole structure 5 and held in position by a row of lasting tacks 6,A it being understood that the lasting of the upper and insole structure may be in accordance with any of the conventional shoe-making practices. T'he inturned edges 4 define a recessed area or cavity 8 at the heel and shank portions of the lasted shoe, the recess having a depth equal to or slightly greater than the combined thickness if the quarter, counter and liner. At this stage of the procedure a layer of glue or other adhesive may be applied to the recessed area 8 and the surrounding edges 4, but if desired, the application of adhesive may be deferred until the application of a shank piece and heel-anchoring element assembly, presently to be described.

Referring to Figs. 2 to 4, the anchoring element therein shown comprises a metal plate I having a depressed body portion I I shaped to lit within the recessed area 8, a U-shaped marginal portion I2 adapted to overlie the inturned edges 4 of the shoe upper I and an extension member I4 integral with the body portion II. The body portion II is formed with a plurality of spaced struck-out prongs I5, a centrally disposed screw opening I6 and a pair of struck-out socket-like elements I8, these parts providing a plurality of spaced perforations or openings and surface irregularities which are effective to receive and retain adhesive. The marginal portion I2 is provided with struck-out prongs 20 extending in the opposite direction from the prongs I and the extension member I4 is provided with inwardly extending ears 22 adapted to engage the end portion of a reinforcing shank piece 23, as shown in Figs. 1 and 8. A

The anchoring element I0, shown in 5 to 7, is similar to that shown in Figs. 2 to 4, except that its marginal portion is formed with a plurality of spaced fingers I2* and upstanding prongs 20Et between the fingers |28. The body portion II a is provided with a single struck-out socket-like element I8B and a stop nib I9 which prevents a shank piece from being slid inwardly a distance sufcient to obstruct the opening I6. In both embodiments the body prongs I5 are so constructed and arranged that they may be cmbedded in a heel seat and/or body of a heel, and the marginal prongs 28 or 2lia are arranged so as to extend through the inturned edges 4 of a shoe upper I and into the insole structure 5. The ears 22 of the extension members I4 are designed to engage the end portion of a reinforcing shank piece and the sockets I8 or I8a are arranged to cooperate with the ears 22 in securing the shank piece, it being understood that the type of holding means or socket members depends upon the particular shape of the end of :he shank piece. The shank piece 23 is here shown (Fig. 8) as having a. bifurcated end adapted to t into the socket members I8, and in order to hold these parts in assembled relation the socket members I8 and ears 22 may be pressed into firm engagement with the adjacent parts of the shank piece, thus providing an assemblage which may be applied as a unit.

After having prepared the anchor plate shank piece assembly it may then be applied so that the shank piece 23 extends longitudinally of a shoe and the body portion II of the'anchor plate is positioned Within the recessed area 8, as shown in Figs. l and 8. With the parts thus positioned and a layer of adhesive interposed between the plate I 0 and insole structure, pressure or other suitable driving force may be applied to the marginal portion I2 of the plate I0 with the result that the prongs I5 are forced through the inturned edges 4 and embedded or clenched in the insole structure 5, as shown in Figs. 9 and l0.

After having applied the anchor plate and shank piece, the front end of the latter may be secured in any suitable manner and a layer of glue or other adhesive may be applied over the heel portion of the shoe or the entire heel area, if desired. A previously prepared outsole 25 may now be applied, the forepart being attached in any conventional manner, as by stitching. If desired, the rear part of the outsole may be cut olf a short distance of an inch more or less) back of the breast line of the heel, or a full length outsole may be used, in which case the heel area is trimmed down to form a heel seat 26 (Figs. 9 and l0). After the outsole has been attached a layer of adhesive may be applied to the heel seat area and a heel 30 then applied and clamped or held in position until the adhesive hardens or sets.

In the alternative the parts may first be positioned as shown in Figs. 1 and 8 and an outsole 25 having a prepared heel seat 28 is then applied, together with a mass of adhesive, as above set forth, after which the entire assemblage may be subjected to pressure or other suitable force so that the prongs 28 are driven through the inturned edges 4 into the insole structure 5 and the prongs I5 driven through or embedded in the heel seat 26. A layer of adhesive may then be applied to the heel seat area and the heel 30 applied and clamped or held in position until the adhesive hardens or sets. 'I'he adhesive applied to the rear portion of he lasted shoe and/or to the heel seat area is forced through the openings or perforations in the body and marginal portions of the plate I0 and is effectively retained by the surface irregularities defined by the struckout prongs, socket members, etc., which provide, in effect, a means permitting an interlocking en gagement between the plate I0 and the hardened or set adhesive. l

After having applied the heel 30, supplemental fastening elements, such as a screw 35, may be applied in any suitable manner, it being desirable to apply the attaching screw during the period required for the adhesive to'become set or hardened, since it may be used to hold the heel 3l) firmly against the heel seat without the aid of clamping devices or the like.

In a shoe embodying a heel seat plate constructed and applied in accordance with the present invention, the upper I, heel seat plate I8 and heel 30 are rmly secured and/or bonded to each other, it being noted that, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the prongs 2l are firmly secured to the inturned edges 4 and insole structure 5, 7l

amano that the prongs I` extend throughor are embedded in the heel seat, and that the adhesive 40, substantially completely filling in all the gaps between the heel and insole structure, supplements the connection provided by the prongs I5 and 20. Moreover, the head of the screw 35 acts against the margin about the opening I6 and provides an additional fastening means securing the heel 30 and plate I0 together.

While I have shown and described different desirable embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that this disclosure is for the purpose of illustration and that Various changes in shape, proportion and arrangement of parts, as Well as the substitution of equivalent elements for those herein shown and described, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In the manufacture of shoes, the method which comprises applying an upper and an insole structure to a last, turning the edges of the upper inwardly about the outer face of the insole so as to provide a recessed area bounded by the inturned edges at the rear of said upper,

applying a heel seat plate to the heel portion of the insole, the heel seat plate having a depressed body portion fitting into said recessed area and a marginal portion overlying the inturned edges of said upper, applying a heel seat and a heel to said heel seat plate, and securing the heel, heel seat and heel seat plate together.

2. In the manufacture of shoes, the method which comprises applying an upper and an insole structure to a last, turning the edges of the upper inwardly about the outer face of the insole so as to provide a recessed area bounded by the inturned edges at the rear of said upper, applying a heel seat plate to the heel portion of the insole, the heel seat plate having a depressed body portion tting into said recessed area and a marginal portion overlying the inturned edges of said upper, the marginal portion of said plate having outstanding prongs extendy ing through the inturned edges of said upper and into the insole structure, applying a heel seat and a heel to said heel seat plate, and securing the heel, heel seat and heel seat plate together.

3. In the manufacture of shoes, the method which comprises applying an upper and an insole structure to a last, turning the edges of the upper inwardly about the outer face of the insole so as to provide a recessed area bounded by the inturned edges at the rear of said upper, applying a heel seat plate to the heel portion of the insole, the heel seat plate having a depressed body portion fitting into said recessed area and a marginal portion overlying the inturned edges of said upper, the body of said plate having struck-out prongs extending outwardly relative to said insole structure, and applying an outsole, heel seat-and a heel so that the ends of said prongs are embedded in said heel seat.

4. In the manufacture of shoes, the method which comprises applying an upper and an insole structure to a last, turning the edges of the upper inwardly about the outer face of the insole so as to provide a recessed area bounded by the inturned edges at the rear of said upper, applying a heel seat plate to the heel portion ofthe insole, the heel seat plate having a depressed body portion fitting into said recessed area and a marginal portion overlying the inturned edges of said upper, the body of said plate having struck-out' prongs extending outwardly relative to saidinsole structure, applying an outsole having its heel portion trimmed down to form a heel seat in which said prongs are embedded, applying a heel seat and av heel to said heel seat plate, and securing the heel, heel seat and heel seat plate together.

5. In the manufacture of shoes, the method which comprises applying an upper and an insole structure to a last, turning the edges of the upper inwardly about the outer face of the insole so as to provide a recessed area bounded by the inturned edges at the rear of said upper', applying a heel seat plate to the heel portion of the insole, the heel seat plate having a depressed body portion fitting into said recessed area and a marginal portion' overlying the inturned edges of said upper, the body of said plate having struck-out prongs extending outwardly relative to the insole structure and the marginal portions of said plate having outstanding prongs extending through the inturned edges of said upper and into the insole structure, and applying a heel so that the ends of said struck-out prongs are embedded in the heel seat structure.

6. In the manufacture of shoes, the method which comprises applying an upper and an insole structure to a last, turning the edges of the upper inwardly about the outer face of the insole so as to provide a recessed area bounded by the inturned edges at the rear of said upper, applying a heel seat plate to the heel portion of the insole, the heel seat plate having a de pressed body portion fitting into said recessed area and a marginal portion overlying the inturned edges of said upper, the body of said plate having struck-out prongs extending outwardly relative to the insole structure and the marginal portions of said plate having spaced fingers and outstanding prongs between said fingers extending inwardly through the inturned edges of said upper and into the insole structure, and applying a heel so that the ends of said struck-out prongs are embedded in the heel seat structure.

7. In the manufacture of shoes, the method which comprises applying an upper and an insole structure to a last, turning the edges of the upper inwardly about the outer face of the insole so as to provide a recessed area bounded by the inturned edges at the rear of said upper, applying a layer of adhesive to said recessed area, applying a heel seat plate to the heel portion of the insole, the heel seat plate having a depressed body portion fitting into said recessed area and a marginal portion overlying the inturned edges of said upper, the body and marginal portions of said plate having perforations permitting part of said adhesive to pass from one side of the plate to the other, applying a heel seat and a heel to said heel seat plate, and securing the heel, heel seat and heel seat plate together.

8. A heel seat plate comprising a sheet metal plate having a generally U-shaped depressed body portion adapted to t within and substantially filling the recessed area defined by the inturned edges of an upper at the heel portion of a lasted shoe, and a U-shaped marginal portion adapted to overlie the inturned edges of the upper.

9. A heel seat plate comprising a sheet metal plate having a generally U-shaped depressed body portion adapted to fit within and substantially iilling the recessed area dened by the inturned edges of an upper at the heel portion of a lasted shoe, a U-shaped marginal portion adapted to overlie the inturned edges of the upper, and means associated with said body portion for holding one end of a reinforcing shank piece.

10. A heel seat plate comprising a sheet metal plate having a generally U-shaped depressed body portion adapted to t within and substantially filling the recessed area defined by the inturned edges of an upper at the heel portion of a lasted shoe, and a U-shaped marginal portion adapted to overlie the inturned edges of the upper, the body and marginal portions of said plate having spaced perforations and surface irregularities adapted to receive and retain an adhesive.

11. A heel seat plate comprising a sheet metal plate having a generally U-shaped depressed body portion adapted to lt within and substantially filling the recessed area defined by the inturned edges of an upper at the heel portion of a lasted shoe, and a U-shaped marginal portion adapted to overlie the inturned edges of the upper, the body portion of said plate having a plurality of struck-out prongs adapted to be embedded in a heel seat.

12. A heel seat plate comprising a sheet metal plate having a generally U-shaped depressed body portion adapted to fit within and substantially filling the recessed area dened by the inturned edges of an upper at the heel portion of a lasted shoe, and a U-shaped marginal portion adapted to overlie the inturned edges of the upper, said marginal portions having a plurality of outstanding prongs adapted to extend through the inturned edges of a lasted upper and into the insole structure.

13. A heel seat plate comprising a sheet metal plate having a generally U-shaped depressed body portion adapted to iit within and substantially filling the recessed area defined by the inturned edges of an upper at the heel portion of a lasted shoe, a U-shaped marginal portion adapted to overlie the inturned edges of the upper, the body portion 4of said plate having a plurality of struck-out prongs adapted to be embedded in a heel seat structure and said marginal portions having a plurality of outstanding prongs adapted to extend through the inturned edges of a lasted upper and into the insole structure.

14. A heel seat plate comprising a sheet metal plate having a generally U-shaped depressed body portion adapted to rit Within and substantially lling the recessed area defined by the inturned edges of an upper at the heel portion of a lasted shoe, said body portion having a plurality of struck-out prongs adapted to be embedded in a heel seat and means for holding one end of a shankl piece, and a U-shaped marginal portion having struck-out prongs adapted to extend through the inturned edges of a lasted upper and into the insole structure.

15. A heel seat plate comprising a sheet metal plate having a depressed body portion adapted to t within the recessed area deiined by the inturned edges of an upper at the heel portion of a lasted shoe, said 'body portion having a plurality of struck-out prongs adapted to be embedded in a heel seat and means for holding one end of a shank piece, and a U-shaped marginal portion having a plurality of spaced fingers adapted to overlie the inturned edges of an upper and outstanding prongs between said ngers adapted to extend through the inturned edges of a lasted shoe upper and into the insole structure.

A16. Ashge comprising an insole, an upper having its lower edges inturned about the marginal portions of the insole and defining a recessed area. at the heel portion of the shoe, a heel seat plate having a depressed body portion fitting into and substantially filling said recessed area and a U-shaped marginal portion overlying said inturned edges, a heel, and means securing the heel seat plate, heel and insole structure together.

17. A shoe comprising an insole, an upper having its lower edges inturned about the marginal portions of the insole and defining a recessed area at the heel portion of the shoe, a heel seat plate having a depressed body portion tting into said recessed area and a U-shaped marginal portion overlying said inturned edges, the body and marginal portions of said plate having a plurality of spaced perforations, a heel, and a mass of adhesive between said heel and heel seat plate, said adhesive extending through said perforations and bonding the insole structure, heel seat plate and heel together.

18. A shoe comprising an insole, an upper having its lower edges inturned about the marginal portions of the insole and dening a recessed area at the heel portion of the shoe, a heel seat plate having a depressed body portion fitting intosaid recessed area and a U-shaped marginal portion overlying said inturned edges, said body portion having struck-out prongs extending outwardly and said marginal portions having prongs extending through the inturned edges of said upper into the insole, a heel seat secured to said plate, and a heel secured to said heel seat, the ends of said struck-out prongs being embedded in the heel seat structure.

19. A shoe comprising an insole, an upper having its lower edges inturned about the marginal portions of the insole and dening a recessed area at the heel portion of the shoe, a heel seat plate having a depressed body portion tting into said recessed area and a U-shaped marginal portion overlying said inturned edges, said body portion having struck-out prongs extending outwardly and said marginal portions having prongs extending through the inturned edges of said upper into the insole, a shank piece having its rear end secured to said body portion, an outsole formed with a heel seat secured to said plate, and a heel secured to said heel seat, the ends of said struck-out prongs being embedded in the heel seat structure.

EDWARD H. BASTABLE. 

